The "operating" (4th/5th rail) part of operating/uncoupling track sections reminds me of a recent thread where a guy proposed activating his operating cars using the uncoupler magnet. IIRC there were clearance issues with the slider pickups to the 4th/5th rails. The idea was to place a magnetic sensor in the car, position car over the uncoupler coil, then activate car by pressing "uncouple" instead of "unload".
Perhaps the less obtrusive appearance of these coils whether modified or DIY would make it more palatable to put more of them around a layout. For example, the inconveniently located on/off switch (under the chassis) for passenger car lights could be replaced with a magnetic sensor. Position car over an uncoupler coil to toggle lights on/off.
